[Worthwhile Investments] GIVE and imagine the possibilities your gift will provide

Dr. Dale Steele has a heart for serving the church. He also has a big heart for children. Throughout his many years of pastoring and during his retirement years serving as interim to many churches, he has combined these two passions to make a difference in the lives of children at Baptist Children’s Homes. The evidence is tangible.

In every church where Steele has served, giving to Baptist Children’s Homes has dramatically increased. Three years ago, Steele began serving at Northside Baptist Church in Burlington and this year he challenged Northside to give the most generous gift they have ever given. He began the emphasis by asking if one member, any member, would give a challenge gift of $1200. He asked if the member would share with the church recording secretary their intention, but no one else. The next Sunday, Steele shared a commitment had been made. That Sunday, above their tithes and offerings, they gave more than $1500. The next Sunday, the amount was doubled to more than $3,000. Their gift to date has reached $6,250.

Although the gift amount is incredible, the story is more astonishing when it is noted that the church averages 35 attendees on Sunday mornings. More than half of the church members are retired.

Imagine the possibilities this gift will provide.

I can imagine there is a faithful servant of God placing her gift in an envelope and praying, “Lord, bless this gift. Use it to help a child.”

Imagine the possibilities this gift will provide.